關燈 巨大 直達底部
親,雙擊螢幕即可自動滾動
第18部分

 〃our gentleman knows all about them。 I wonder now; yes; I wonder!〃

Chapter 18

DEREK LUNCHES

Derek Kettering went straight to the Negresco; where he ordered a couple of cocktails and disposed of them rapidly; then he stared moodily out over the dazzling blue sea。 He noted the passers…by mechanically … a damned dull crowd; badly dressed; and painfully uninteresting; one hardly ever saw anything worth while nowadays。 Then he corrected this last impression rapidly; as a woman placed herself at a table a little distance away from him。 She was wearing a marvellous confection of orange and black; with a little hat that shaded her face。 He ordered a third cocktail; again he stared out to sea; and then suddenly he started。 A well…known perfume assailed his nostrils; and he looked up to see the orange…and…black lady standing beside him。 He saw her face now; and recognized her … it was Mirelle。 She was smiling that insolent; seductive smile he knew so well。

〃Dereek!〃 she murmured。 〃You are pleased to see me; no?〃

She dropped into a seat the other side of the table。

〃But wele me; then; stupid one;〃 she mocked。

〃This is an unexpected pleasure;〃 said Derek。 〃When did you leave London?〃

She shrugged her shoulders。

〃A day or two ago。〃

〃And the Parthenon?〃

〃I have; how do you say it? … given them the chuck!〃

〃Really?〃

〃You are not very amiable; Dereek。〃

〃Do you expect me to be?〃

Mirelle lit a cigarette and puffed at it for a few minutes before saying:

〃You think; perhaps; that it is not prudent so soon?〃

Derek stared at her; then he shrugged his shoulders; and remarked formally:

〃You are lunching here?〃

〃Mais oui。 I am lunching with you。〃

〃I am ext